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Reds have red-hot rookies in Cozart, Frazier

Reds have red-hot rookies in Cozart, Frazier

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CINCINNATI -- Among the Reds, infielder Todd Frazier is getting the most attention as a National League Rookie of the Year candidate. But shortstop Zack Cozart has also racked up some impressive numbers for his resume.

While Cozart came into Friday batting .253 with 14 home runs and 30 RBIs, he led all NL rookies in total bases (200), hits (122), extra-base hits (47) and multi-hit games (35), was second in runs (65) and doubles (30), and third in homers.

Frazier entered leading rookies with 58 RBIs, a .558 slugging percentage and was second with 18 homers, 179 total bases, 44 extra-base hits, and third with a .293 average.

"It's cool. If I had a vote, I'd vote for Todd, too," Cozart said Friday. "With Joey [Votto] out, he's been huge. Just to be in the conversation and have two guys on the team, young guys, contributing like we have is cool. You can't ask for a better rookie year being on a team that's in first place and competing for a championship. We're excited."

Cozart has been on a tear of late, riding a career-high 11-game hitting streak after hitting a double in the first inning of the series opener against the Cardinals. He hit .349 (15-for-43) over his past 10 games. As the stretch run nears, it's a perfect time be in a hitting groove.

"They always say it's not how you start, but how you finish," Cozart said. "I started out kind of hot, and, obviously, everybody knows I went on a cold streak. I've been hot, cold, hot and cold. Hopefully I can continue this for the rest of the season. It's very important to finish strong."